Carnitas with Sweet Potato and Cinnamon Apples

I haven't done pork carnitas in a while and not since way back -- when I was doing crappy food pictures -- have I done them with fruit. Back then I used persimmons and cinnamon.

This time it was with apple, simply sautéed in butter and cinnamon. I included some sweet potato on the side for added sweetness, color and texture. Make sure to crisp & caramelize your carnitas under the broiler for a while. Click on the images for much higher quality.

Carnitas Sweet Potato and Apples

I couldn't decide which of these shots I liked better, so you get two.

Just More of the Same

Give it a try. You won't be disappointed. Better yet, it's really quick once you have your carnitas on hand.

Actually, this time as per past I used the TJ’s pre cooked. It’s really pretty good once you crisp it (as carnitas ought to be served). Otherwise, there are plenty of from scratch recipes if you google.

I was wondering what to do with some uncooked chicken in my fridge and your timely post inspired me to saute chicken and apples with cinnamon cooked in pastured cultured butter. I also browned it under the broiler for a few minutes before serving. Very simple dish and VERY tasty! Thanks Richard for being my muse.

I’m not sure about capsaicin specifically, but some in the paleo crowd are wary of nightshades of which jalapeno is one. For me, and by far most, it’s whether you tolerate them or not and thank the imaginary Lord above that I do. If I didn’t, I’d be in a world of hurt since my wife is of Mexican descent.

My favorite use for jalapeno (and you can search the blog) is using fresh chopped in some of my beef reduction sauces, especially for tri-tip (or london broil or brisket) on the grill. Not TOO much, but enough for a bit of a kick. Have tried the red pepper flakes as well but fresh jalapeno always produces the best results.

Hint: once you’ve extracted all the flavor in your sauce reduction, use a wire strainer. I’ve found that people will tolerate a lot more kick if it’s saucy and not chunky.

Thanks Richard. I more than “tolerate” them. I grew up just outside of Ft. Worth Texas and I crave them. I’ve been known to grow my own red rockets and habaneros. I use them on meats and in realy chili, as well as in carnitas.